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25 Jul 2012, 19:51

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2012-13 Laptop and Software Discussion

The laptop is the single most important tool that you will have while in business school. It will be your best friend or your worst enemy. This is a thread for everyone to discuss the best laptops, notebooks, netbooks, tablets, apps, and accessories for their MBA electronic needs!

Consider Making Suggestions Such as:1. Weight/size/screen size2. Battery life (longer with smaller screen, assuming the same battery capacity)3. Fits better on airplanes (may not be a factor for you)4. I use a dual 24" monitor setup at work/home, so I am satisfying my need for large screens.

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01 Aug 2012, 07:42

Anyone have any experience with the Thinkpad X230 or T430s?

I think im set on the Lenovo. I like the ease of upgrades (plan to upgrade to 8gb ram and SSD post purchase) and the reliability and build quality im just not sure if I can work on a 12.5" screen when away from home (assuming a dock setup with monitors at home).

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23 Aug 2012, 13:22

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goblue04 wrote:

Anyone have any experience with the Thinkpad X230 or T430s?

I think im set on the Lenovo. I like the ease of upgrades (plan to upgrade to 8gb ram and SSD post purchase) and the reliability and build quality im just not sure if I can work on a 12.5" screen when away from home (assuming a dock setup with monitors at home).

Any suggestions would be apprecaited.

For the past two years I've been using a Thinkpad X201 (12.5" size, like the one you're considering) and it's great. The keyboard is full-size and comfortable to type on. The size of the trackpad might be something you want to think about, unless you use the signature Thinkpad trackpoint like I do. The screen is big enough to comfortably look at two documents side-by-side, yet small enough to use easily in any situation, even on planes. Plus you get the benefit of great battery life (and light weight) with the 12.5" screen.
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23 Oct 2012, 10:13

I have a quick question concerning the usage of MacBookPro (which I have and would like to use):- How does it work with excel? Do you have to substitute the analysis kit or is it included in the new office version?- How about data transfer from mac to pc. Does the data not get mixed up sometimes? You probably have to do it a lot between your class mates so I just want to ensure that my mac does not become a burden.- Same for powerpoint presentations, does it work in practice without bad surprises?- Is there anything else I have to keep in mind?

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12 Nov 2012, 20:28

LasseSchmid wrote:

I have a quick question concerning the usage of MacBookPro (which I have and would like to use):- How does it work with excel? Do you have to substitute the analysis kit or is it included in the new office version?- How about data transfer from mac to pc. Does the data not get mixed up sometimes? You probably have to do it a lot between your class mates so I just want to ensure that my mac does not become a burden.- Same for powerpoint presentations, does it work in practice without bad surprises?- Is there anything else I have to keep in mind?

Thanks for your help

bump.

curious about these questions as well, as I am currently in the hunt for a laptop

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21 Nov 2012, 09:52

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I would wait to purchase a laptop until after you've committed to a school. Certain schools have "suggested" laptop requirements that will make your life a lot easier. For instance, although I love Macs, transferring Microsoft Office files from Mac to PC can cause a headache because formatting can change during the transfer. Moreover, certain schools require you to install software on your laptop that might not be compatible with Mac (without the use of something like Parallels).

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10 Jan 2013, 09:53

I'm thinking a thinkpad, but not sure which series yet. Just to note, do not spend the money on Office 2010, it looks like most schools offer the student version, or a free version through their stores.

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17 Jan 2013, 13:56

I've been using Windows PCs for ages, and switched to a Mac Air about 6 months ago. TBH, while the battery life and weight of the machine are phenomenal, I have missed the easy compatibility options of Windows (and knowing where everything is!). For example, writing to external hard drives from the Mac isn't always possible, unless you download other software to overcome this limitation.

Office for Mac is a great package, but it doesn't always have the features that the Windows version does. I think you can get around most limitations, but I really don't want to have to do that while working late on an assignment at Business School.
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18 Jan 2013, 14:36

goblue04 wrote:

Anyone have any experience with the Thinkpad X230 or T430s?

I think im set on the Lenovo. I like the ease of upgrades (plan to upgrade to 8gb ram and SSD post purchase) and the reliability and build quality im just not sure if I can work on a 12.5" screen when away from home (assuming a dock setup with monitors at home).

Any suggestions would be apprecaited.

The X230 is a fantastic machine, based off my experience with the X220. The IPS screen and keyboard are very good. The only problem is that the fan gives an error from time to time during boot - a quick shot of air from a duster fixes it though. The small screen and lack of HDMI-out were undesirable, but on the other hand it's very portable. I'd either go with Lenovo or get an Asus ultrabook.

On the other hand, any people use a tablet exclusively when not at home for b-school?

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27 Jan 2013, 01:06

Sort of piggybacking on prior posts, but not entirely -- has anyone "gone against" a school's suggested laptop? What were the results? In particular, has anyone stuck with a Macbook Pro in the face of PC recommendations? I'm strictly Mac and I'd really rather not purchase a PC if it's not absolutely essential...

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27 Jan 2013, 18:11

I'm absolutely a PC guy (i.e. never used a Mac besides making a fool of myself on my friends' Macs), but I'm considering getting a MacBook Air or something more portable. Not sure if it's the right move considering how much we would need to use MS Office though.